I am currently one of the candidates running for the school board. I have never run before and I feel that it is time for a BIG change in our district. Why should I ask registered voters to vote for me? Here is why: I am an Associate Professor for Saint Louis University and a Certified Nurse Educator. I have been named as Who's Who Among America's Teachers. I have 15 years of experience in academia and curricular issues. I have a vested interest in this district as my son attends school here and I have lived and owned a home here for over 22 years. I have been very active as a PTA President as well as involved in local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. I am also a member of the Granite City Optimists. As a parent, tax payer, and registered voter, I believe that it is time for a change in the school board. We need new ideas and ways of thinking to help move our district forward in this tough economic time. I believe I have the experience to help make that change happen. There are several issues in our district at this time: student test scores, school safety and security, school board transparency, and lack of funding from the state of Illinois. Some of the things I would like to focus on are increasing district wide test scores, improving existing tutoring programs to accommodate all students in need of assistance, continuing to improve safety and security in all of our school buildings, increasing transparency between the school board and the parents. There should not be an adversarial relationship between the school board and the parents. We should ALL work together to give our children the BEST education possible! Additionally, one BIG issue is the lack of funding and support from the state of Illinois. We need to work smart to make a little go a long way. This means working together to do what is best for the students. I believe that in working together, we can make these things happen. I am passionate about the education of ALL of our children. If elected, I will put the educational needs of OUR children FIRST!